The Way Things Ought to Be
Richard A. Bradley
Acts 2:40-47
Acts 2:40-47: 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ''Be saved from this perverse generation.'' 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV
If things were the way they ought to be! Here is a wish we've all made at one time or another. But, who has the right answer to this question? Everyone has an opinion on how things ought to be and these days it seems one opinion is just as valid as any other. This is a question pastors hear on a regular basis. You know how it goes. ''Pastor, if things were the way they ought to be around here then everyone would be tithing. If things were the way they ought to be around here then this church house would be full.'' Like that. As far as the church is concerned, the main problem with this question is that as hard as we may search we'll never find a church where things are exactly as they ought to be. We'll never find a perfect church. This fallen world is populated by less than perfect people and because of this there are no perfect churches and certainly no perfect pastors. But wouldn't it be nice if we could get as close as possible to being the church God wants us to be? Play a game with me today. To play this game you'l ...
Richard A. Bradley
Acts 2:40-47
Acts 2:40-47: 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ''Be saved from this perverse generation.'' 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV
If things were the way they ought to be! Here is a wish we've all made at one time or another. But, who has the right answer to this question? Everyone has an opinion on how things ought to be and these days it seems one opinion is just as valid as any other. This is a question pastors hear on a regular basis. You know how it goes. ''Pastor, if things were the way they ought to be around here then everyone would be tithing. If things were the way they ought to be around here then this church house would be full.'' Like that. As far as the church is concerned, the main problem with this question is that as hard as we may search we'll never find a church where things are exactly as they ought to be. We'll never find a perfect church. This fallen world is populated by less than perfect people and because of this there are no perfect churches and certainly no perfect pastors. But wouldn't it be nice if we could get as close as possible to being the church God wants us to be? Play a game with me today. To play this game you'l ...
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